PROJECTS

The Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo for 10 years, identifying priority bonobo sites and implementing innovative solutions to the complex problem of conservation.

Together with local and international partners, BCI works at the grassroots level, engaging Congolese communities to protect bonobos and the rainforest, and with the DRC government to create new protected areas and enforce laws against hunting bonobos and other endangered species.

The threats facing bonobos and their habitat are increasingly severe. To succeed in our mission, BCI is taking action on multiple levels:

• Preserving Rainforest
• Protecting Bonobos
• Empowering Communities
• Raising Awareness

We cannot do it alone. Please help us save the bonobos!

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Bonobo Peace Forest
The Bonobo Peace Forest is a constellation of community-based reserves and conservation concessions, linked by corridors to create a wide band of protection for bonobos and other species. Peace Forest communities are united in their goal to secure the future of their forest and the bonobos within . [Learn More]

Sankuru Nature Reserve
Just designated in November 2007, the new Sankuru Nature Reserve is a tremendous victory for bonobo conservation! At 11,800 square miles (30,570 km2), it is the world’s largest continuous protected area for great apes. What is truly amazing about this initiative is that it began at the grassroots with local communities and will be the first large-scale reserve in the Congo to be managed by the indigenous people. [Learn More]

Mabali
One of only two scientific Reserves in the Bonobo habitat. Pygmies and Bantus live together and work harmoniously in hopes of rebuilding the former IRSAC center (Institute for Scientific Research in Central Africa). When originally established in the 1940's the goal of the the IRSAC centers was "to arouse, to promote, to realize, and to coordinate..... the study of the sciences of man and nature." [Learn More]

Lac Tumba Bonobo Reserves
BCI has performed surveys, identified bonobo populations and signed accords with the local communities to establish 3 linked community-based reserves in Botuali, Nkosso and Mbie Mokele. The people of the region are fighting the imminent encroachment of logging companies and bushmeat hunting is also a serious threat. Monitoring teams work daily to protect bonobos that still live in their forests. We will keep you updated on our work here.

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Monitoring Teams
One of the key elements to conservation success is on-the-ground, local monitoring. Once important bonobo sites have been identified and communities commit to conservation, local teams are trained and equipped to monitor and protect bonobos in the forest. BCI is currently supporting more than 70 local trackers who monitor bonobos and other biodiversity on a daily basis at 10 important bonobo sites.

Bonobo Rescue
Bonobos are still being killed in many areas and hunters try to sell the orphaned babies as pets. BCI and our partners intervene to rescue and save the lives of bonobo orphans, caring for them and transporting them safely to sanctuary.This is often difficult, and sometimes dangerous. [Learn More]

Bonobo Protection Unit
Mbandaka, capital of the Equateur province, is the cross-roads for much of the bushmeat trade in the bonobo habitat. BCI is working with the Provincial Police force in Mbandaka to establish the Bonobo Protection Unit, to enforce CITES, and protect bonobos and other endangered species.[Learn More]

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African Community Enterprise (ACE)
BCI has initiated ACE, a partnership and new BCI division, to support the livelihood and humanitarian interests and needs of local communities. Learn more about these initiatives:
[Livelihood] [Women's programs] [Development]

Djolu Technical College
Without proper education, the local people, who are the ultimate stewards of the land, will still lack the means to manage their natural resources. BCI and Vie Sauvage worked with regional authorities to establish the only institute of higher learning within a 40,000 square mile area in the heart of the bonobo habitat.[Learn More]

Bonobo Clinics
One of our top priorities is to address the health and medical needs of the local populations. The Bonobo Clinic at Kokolopori is our pilot clinic—now operational with a dedicated doctor and nursing staff and basic supplies, but still in need of material support. [Learn More]

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Traditional Knowledge
Within many areas of the bonobo habitat, local people have maintained much of their traditional culture and beliefs. These systems and their reverence for the forest are the foundation upon which we build our programs.[Learn More]

The Power of Music
Music is a powerful force in the Congo with deep roots. BCI is working with the DRC's top musicians—and others around the world—to save bonobos and protect the rainforest. [Learn More]